Can Mass. hit its housing goals? (Ft. Housing Sec. Juana Matias)

Massachusetts faces a critical housing shortage, necessitating the construction of 222,000 new homes by 2035 to address widespread cost burdens among renters and prospective homeowners. Juana Matias, Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, emphasizes that achieving this goal requires a multifaceted approach, including the legalization of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), the repurposing of underutilized state land, and the standardization of local site plan reviews. While the administration faces headwinds from federal disinvestment in fair housing and local zoning resistance, it remains committed to production-focused policies. Current efforts prioritize data-driven adjustments to regulations and the strategic use of capital investments to overcome financing gaps. As the state debates potential rent control measures, the administration maintains that increasing housing supply remains the most effective lever for stabilizing costs and ensuring long-term economic competitiveness.